AIDA Cruises is welcoming back a familiar face to the bridge, as Captain Claas Cramer returns to active command after spending more than ten years working full-time as a maritime pilot.

According to Schiffe und Kreuzfahrten, Captain Cramer has already made a short return onboard AIDAbella and is expected, based on guest reports, to soon take up duties on AIDAdiva. His comeback was officially announced in a video message shown during prime-time programming onboard AIDAdiva, as part of the “Best of AIDA” series celebrating the company’s 30-year history.

For some guests and crew, his name will sound familiar. Captain Cramer first joined AIDA Cruises back in 2004 after graduating as an industrial engineer specializing in maritime transport. He steadily worked his way up through the ranks from third officer to captain, making history in December 2010 when he became the youngest captain in the company’s history at just 31 years old.

Around three years later, he stepped away from full-time service at sea to take on a shore-based role as a pilot in Kiel. While he has occasionally returned onboard as a relief captain in recent years, this marks his first regular return to command within the fleet.

We congratulate Captain Claas Cramer on his return to AIDA Cruises and wish him fair winds, calm seas, and success as he steps back into this familiar role.